Intervention

On A & E is a show called Intervention. Where they show people with all kinds of additions and with family and friends stage an intervention. Normally I don't watch this show but I Tivoed last weeks episode and I am glad I did. It was about a 26yr old woman Brooke, living with chronic pain. Now that's something I know a lot about. On the show her family thought she was deliberately over medicating herself to enjoy the high I guess. I didn't understand her family point of view. And because she did this they wouldn't let her be at the hospital when her nephew was born. And 2 days before her twins wedding she was told you couldn't be a bridesmaid after all. Needless to say it broke her heart and mine also. Now Brooke was being over medicated by her doctors and had never be in a pain management program. At the pre -intervention they had a doctor who is a pain management and addiction specialist there. He finally got the family to understand that Brooke was not doing this for attention or for fun. The best thing he said was concerning her falling on the kitchen floor out cold for 8 hrs. He said that the passing out was preferable to the pain. Amen! There are days when I would like to do that myself. I so identify with this women. The first year of my chronic pain was spent in a drug induced haze. Even in the fog I knew this was no way to live. Of course I have had more life experiences than Brooke. But some pain management is strictly drugs. I was lucky to find one that balances drugs and other methods of pain management. And over time I have found for myself some things that work.
I guess with the show I was just angry with her family. And I know logically they don't understand. Unless you live it you don't really know it. But it is so hard to live with it. I am lucky most of my family understands. But I am sure it's hard on them because there are things I can't do anymore. Also times when I seem short tempered, agitated, or inattentive. I am not any of those things just in a world of pain. I wouldn't wish this on anybody even my ex husband (maybe). Or the looks I get when I park in a handicap spot.
So I am glad I watched the show. It reminded me how lucky I am that I am not on a lot of meds and my family understands. But I still would like to be passed out for 8 hrs. Take care.